Cilantro seedlings should ideally be around 2-3 inches tall before they are ready to be transplanted or thinned out. This usually occurs about 2-3 weeks after sowing the seeds. It’s important to wait until the seedlings have developed a strong root system and are able to withstand the transplanting process.
When cilantro seeds are sown, they typically germinate within 7-10 days. At this stage, the seedlings will have tiny, delicate leaves and will be very fragile. It’s important to provide them with adequate light, moisture, and protection from extreme temperatures during this early stage of growth.
As the cilantro seedlings continue to grow, they will start to develop more leaves and their stems will elongate. By the time they reach a height of 2-3 inches, they will have several sets of true leaves, which are larger and more distinct than the initial cotyledon leaves.
At this point, the cilantro seedlings can be transplanted into their final growing location or thinned out if they were sown too densely. Transplanting involves carefully removing the seedlings from their original container or seed tray and placing them into individual pots or directly into the garden soil. Thinning out involves removing the excess seedlings to provide more space for the remaining ones to grow.
It’s worth noting that cilantro has a tendency to bolt or go to seed quickly, especially in warm weather. So, it’s important to start harvesting the leaves when the seedlings reach a height of about 6-8 inches. This ensures that you can enjoy the fresh cilantro leaves before the plant starts to focus its energy on flowering and producing seeds.
In my personal experience, I have found that cilantro seedlings grow best when they have access to full sun or partial shade. They prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Regular watering is important to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Additionally, providing some protection from strong winds can help prevent the delicate cilantro seedlings from getting damaged.
Cilantro seedlings should ideally be around 2-3 inches tall before transplanting or thinning them out. This ensures that they have developed a strong root system and are better able to handle the stresses of transplanting. By following these guidelines and providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh cilantro leaves.
